Kohala Lighthouse Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s be straight up. For this stretch we’re looking at Kohala Lighthouse, an advanced reef break at the north end of the Big Island. We’ve got a solid run of days on the cards, but honestly, there’s a big catch. Let’s get into it.

Right off the bat, the water temp is sitting at 80°, which is pretty much what you’d expect for this time of year—nothing weird there.

Starting Thursday the 2nd of July through the whole first week and into the second, the trade winds are honking from the ENE at 19 to 22 mph, blowing straight cross-shore the entire time. We’re looking at swell heights hanging between 4 and 7 ft, with a short, choppy 7 to 8 second period from the ENE. That’s a windswell, not a groundswell, and it’s getting messed up by that fresh breeze. Every single session is marked as poor surf conditions, with a lumpy cross-chop. The combined wave energy ranges from around 287 to 487—moderate energy—but with the wind on it like that, it’s just not lining up for a nice ride.

Because of this persistent cross-wind, there isn’t a single standout session in the whole 16-day window. For an advanced reef break, a 5 to 7 ft swell with short period and cross-shore wind is not what you paddle out for—it’s more of a hassle than a thrill. Even the bigger pulses around the 8th and 14th of July, when energy jumps to the 400s and swell hits 7 ft, are still wrecked by that wind. Over 8 ft would be expert-only, but here the quality is just poor.

Honestly, for a spot like this that’s consistent and exposed, having every single day marked as poor is rough. It’s a blank run. With this setup – strong cross-shore wind and short-period swell on a reef – this is more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

No hidden gems this time. Forecasts can change, but right now, I’d say leave the board on the rack.

Rusty.

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